Kirriemuir brings together two distinctive cultural touchstones: J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan and the memory of Bon Scott. There is also a historic Town House, a Camera Obscura and green spaces. Those planning a stay can explore literary and music history as separate themes, while also taking in the landscape. The attractions range from a specific biographical address to a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Cultural history in Kirriemuir
J. M. Barrie's Birthplace is at 9 Brechin Road in Kirriemuir. The writer and creator of Peter Pan was born here in 1860. This gives the literary connection a specific biographical link to the town. The Gateway to the Glens Museum is located in Kirriemuir Town House. The building was constructed in 1604: the museum and the building's year of construction offer two different ways to connect with Kirriemuir's history.
The Camera Obscura is another link to Barrie. He gifted it to the town and opened it on 7 June 1930. From there, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, including the hills and the Angus Glens. Scotland has only three Camera Obscuras; the one in Kirriemuir combines a historic gift with a panorama of the region. This sets it apart from the Town House, whose construction date and museum reveal a different aspect of the town's history.
The memory of Bon Scott is marked in a different place and in a different way. The life-size bronze statue stands in a memorial garden at Bellies Brae. It was unveiled in April 2016 during the tenth annual Bonfest. The festival takes place in Kirriemuir every year and celebrates Bon Scott. If you would like to plan your trip around Bonfest, check the event dates for your chosen travel period.
Neverland Park also draws on a literary connection, this time through its play equipment: play structures include themes from Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a crocodile. The park opened in 2010 as part of a project commemorating Barrie's 150th birthday. While the address on Brechin Road connects with Barrie's life, the park's themes bring characters from his story to life in a different way.
Green spaces and destinations in the surrounding area
Kirriemuir Den is a peaceful green space close to the town centre. Paths at different levels run through the Den. This gives it a different feel from the museums and memorial sites: here, the green space and the paths shape the visit. The paths on several levels are a specific feature of the grounds, without implying a particular route or walking time.
For cyclists, the route from Kirriemuir to Loch of Lintrathen starts in the town centre. It adds a clearly named destination outside the town to Kirriemuir's urban cultural attractions. Loch of Kinnordy, an RSPB nature reserve, is also nearby. It lies 1.6 kilometres west of the town, on the B951 towards Glenisla.
At Loch of Kinnordy, three hides overlook different parts of the loch. The hides offer views across different areas of the loch; this differs from the Camera Obscura's panorama, which takes in the surrounding landscape and the Angus Glens. Together, these places show different ways to experience the landscape: from a panoramic view across the hills to viewpoints beside the loch.
Discover more destinations: Blairgowrie, Monikie, Dykehead, Edzell, Carnoustie, Westmuir, Tarfside, Montrose.
For the broader travel overview: Angus.
